Compositions and methods for treating skin

Abstract

The present invention relates to skin care compositions comprising blends of camellia and feverfew serum fractions and / or kelp and parsley serum fractions. The skin care compositions also comprise a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The invention also relates to methods for increasing melanin production in skin by topically applying the skin care composition to areas in order to stimulate one or more steps in melanin synthesis and / or interrupt an inflammatory cycle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of topical applications of skin care compositions to the skin. The invention further relates to skin care compositions comprising blends of camellia and feverfew serum fractions and / or kelp and parsley serum fractions. The invention also relates to methods for increasing melanin production in skin by topically applying the skin care composition to areas thereof in order to stimulate one or more steps in melanin synthesis.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Human skin comprises three principal layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous fat layer. The epidermis comprises four layers (from external to internal): the stratum corneum, the granular layer, the spiny layer, and the basal layer. A separate fifth layer, the stratum lucidum, may be present between the stratum corneum and granular layer. The basal layer produces cells which gradually migrate outward to form the other epidermal layers. As these cell...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention relates to skin care compositions and methods that can help increase melanin production in skin by topically applying the skin care composition to areas thereof in order to stimulate one or more steps in melanin synthesis, which may provide an aesthetic benefit (e.g., perceived younger appearance than chronological age) in addition to providing protection against UV radiation-induced skin damage.

[0014]According to another embodiment, a method for reducing the appearance of skin hypopigmentation is provided. The method comprises topically applying a skin care composition to a skin surface, wherein the skin care composition is applied for a period of time sufficient to stimulate one or more steps in melanogenesis (melanin synthesis). The skin care composition comprises an effective amount of a first composition comprising a combination of a camellia serum fraction and a feverfew serum fraction, or a second composition comprising a combination of a parsley serum fraction and a kelp serum fraction; and a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

[0015]According to another embodiment, a method for reducing the appearance of skin hypopigmentation is provided. The method comprises topically applying a skin care composition to a skin surface, wherein the skin care composition is applied for a period of time sufficient to stimulate one or more steps in melanogenesis (melanin synthesis). The skin care composition comprises an effective amount of a combination of a camellia serum fraction, a feverfew serum fraction, a parsley serum fraction, and a kelp serum fraction; and a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

[0016]According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided that comprises topically applying the skin care composition comprising an effective amount of a synergistic combination of skin tone agents to a skin surface for the purpose of improving the appearance of skin tone.

Problems solved by technology

However, chronic UV exposure may lead to more subtle changes in skin tone.

Moreover, inflammation-related skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation can also leave the skin with uneven tone appearance.

Although various plants have been used for hundreds or even thousands of years for a variety of reputed indications, until recent times it has not been possible to clinically verify purported effectiveness or to identify new potential uses based upon the underlying science of the plant's bioactivity.

Because of the newness of the science, and because the number of plants that could potentially be utilized as cosmetic bioactives is so immense, the vast majority of plants have not yet been fully investigated.

Many of the methods used for extracting botanical components from plants involve techniques that are harmful to the plant tissue composition and / or the bioactive components of interest contained in that tissue.

Consequently, traditional extraction methods often fail to deliver the full spectrum of activities that exist within a plant cell and thus the full potential of botanical-based cosmetic formulations is not realized.

In addition, many traditional extraction methods utilize harsh chemical solvents, which are not “natural” and thus are materials that consumers want to avoid applying to their skin.

Furthermore, these solvent-based processes produce toxic chemical wastes that can harm the environment if not properly handled and disposed of as hazardous waste.

Moreover, just because a material is “natural” does not guarantee that it is free from undesired substances that would make the material suitable for use on skin, however.

However, when plant materials are condensed to a highly concentrated form, such as through extraction, these materials can be present at levels that cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, including rashes.

Even when these materials are present at their natural levels, however, there are still many sensitive individuals who experience negative skin reactions.

Thus, consumers' desire for natural, more earth-friendly products can ironically lead to the destruction of the very bioresources they aim to preserve.

Thus, there is a need for natural bioactive botanical compositions that maintain their spectrum of desired bioactivity, are suitable for topical skin application, and are not prepared using harsh chemical solvents.

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